Recapping Sirius XM Radio’s visit to Broncos camp

Ted BartlettAug 13, 2013 1:00 PM

Happy Tuesday, friends. On Monday afternoon, Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan visited Broncos training camp, and held a very interesting four-hour show from Dove Valley. There were a number of insights and opinions presented, and as usual, practically everybody they spoke to was much more forthcoming than they tend to be with the beat people.

I've seen (heard?) this time and time again with Tim and Pat at many team visits, where coaches and GMs consider them to be real football people who can participate in real football discussions. Because of that, their annual visit to Dove Valley is must-listen stuff. For those who didn't, I took some notes.

1. There was kind of a good news/bad news thing going on with rookie DT Sylvester Williams. Both Tim and Pat felt that he was consistently the slowest player off the ball, and they attributed it to being a typical rookie defensive lineman, and lacking technique, awareness, and confidence. The good news part is that they thought his hand use was excellent, and that even though he was losing off the snap, he was able to recover with hand use and power to basically battle the offensive linemen to an even match. Personally, I'm an optimistic guy, and I view this to be a good sign.

2. On the topic of hand use by defensive linemen, Tim and Pat think this is an exceptionally well-coached group, and that as a group, they show routinely excellent hand technique and foot balance.

3. Tim and Pat asked John Fox who his four-down guys would be if he had to go out and rush a QB right now, and after hedging slightly, and saying that no decisions were final, Fox said it would probably be Derek Wolfe, Sylvester Williams, Robert Ayers, and Shaun Phillips from side-to-side. He also said that Malik Jackson would figure heavily into that mix.

4. Tim and Pat said that Wolfe and Jackson looked particularly awesome in practice, and that both players had taken great advantage of their first NFL strength program, in remaking their bodies and dropping body fat.

5. I'm on my fifth bullet point about defensive linemen, can you believe that? For the second year in a row, Tim and Pat felt that the Broncos practice they saw was the most physical and crisp in terms of inside run drills. They've visited Seattle, San Franscisco, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland among other places this year, so that's pretty high praise for the DL group.

6. Tim and Pat noted, and Fox agreed, that the team was viewing Stewart Bradley and Nate Irving as guys who were both versatile between Mike and Sam LB, and Fox also said that he thought that Irving could factor in as a Will here and there.

7. Brought out of retirement for John Elway, who said that he could still throw a football like he used to, but that it took him three times as long to get loose as it used to.

8. Tim and Pat said that Shaun Phillips looks terrific, and they both thought that Phillips could be an overall upgrade compared to Elvis Dumervil, due to his abilities against the run. Fox credited Phillips for doing a nice job of learning both the Sam LB position and the Open-side DE position.

9. Kirwan watched Quentin Jammer, and wasn't real impressed with his transition to safety. He said that if nobody gets hurt that Jammer is likely going to be cut. If somebody does get hurt, though, Jammer is a guy with skills and experience, and Kirwan liked the fallback option that he presented.

10. Tim and Pat asked Fox about the hiring of Alex Gibbs as an assistant OL coach, and Fox said that a lot of value was being imparted, and that hiring a second guy for that group was basically in keeping with an emerging league-wide trend. He said that there was a lot to gain by coaching up the OL and the secondary, which both rely heavily upon technique, and with so many guys in both groups, staffs are adding second coaches there.

11. Duke Ihenacho got some love from everybody who was asked about him, and both Tim and Pat said they were impressed with him. Everybody also cautioned us not to sleep on Mike Adams, though. He's well-regarded within the building, and nobody should expect him to be cut. Pat spoke about having a big nickel group that you like to combat 12 personnel, and I see Adams being a big factor there, even if Ihenacho beats him out for the base snaps.

12. Tim and Pat noted a few times how impressed they were with the degree to which players who weren't participating in a particular rep were talking to each other about technique and correcting mistakes, as they waited to get back in the mix. That's a sign of a motivated and mature team.

13. Tim and Pat also couldn't get over the depth of the Broncos, and they credited both Elway (with acquiring it) and Fox (with developing it). They said that a lot of teams were going to be watching Broncos preseason games looking to shop at the bottom of their roster.

14. Julius Thomas was interviewed, and he came across as a smart football player, talking at length about reading the leverage of defenders. That really kind of surprised me, given his limited on-field experience. He must really have taken advantage of his mental reps the last couple years. As for practice, Kirwan noted that the Broncos repeatedly made him block the point of attack in 9-on-7 run drills, and that Thomas did pretty well with it.

15. Tim Ryan predicted that Stewart Bradley would be the starting Mike, but he also had high praise for Irving, after broadcasting Thursday's game for the local 49ers affiliate. Once again, the discussion was basically about the embarrassment of depth that the Broncos have stockpiled.

16. Pat Kirwan was very impressed with the growth, development, and approach of Brock Osweiler over his rookie year.

17. On the topic of Ihenacho, Ryan saw Montee Ball stiff-arm him straight to the ground in morning practice. Tim and Pat predicted that it would draw a lot of reaction in the film review, and that Fox (who didn't see it live) would love it. Ryan thinks that Ball will be the primary back before very long.

18. In their conversation with Peyton Manning, PMFM expressed a lot of admiration for Wes Welker, and he shared that when he watches film with QB coach Greg Knapp, Knapp always reminds him that Welker's ability is nowhere near normal.

19. Chris Harris said that Wes Welker gets the best of him sometimes in practice, but that working against him every day has made him a much better slot CB. Fox echoed those thoughts separately.

20. Both Tim and Pat said that they think the Broncos are probably the best all-around team in the NFL, and should be the favorites to win the Super Bowl.

That's all I've got, friends. I hope you have a nice Tuesday.

1. I’m not in the arguing business, I’m in the saying what I think business.
2. I get my information from my eyes.

So they criticize his clock management -- in post-game breakdowns where, you know, the focus is on the game just played. How this constituted dismissal of the rest of the coach is beyond me. It seems like you've confused words Doug actually wrote with your inferences about same. Whoops.

Posted by Chibronx on 2013-08-14 08:35:27

I wonder how I missed that calling Fox "gutless" is actually praise, and saying he has a "loser's mentality" is actually support for keeping him as coach. My mistake - it seemed like they didn't like him.

Posted by billyricky on 2013-08-14 04:37:17

uhh they praise Fox all the time, they are simply pointing out something he does that they don't like, and it seems like slim criticism

just because you claim they are judging him solely on that criticism doesnt make it true

Posted by GreasyQtip on 2013-08-14 00:51:18

not only that, but it was toward the end of the game when in preseason almost every broadcast stops calling play by plays and has a more relaxed conversation, quite common

Posted by GreasyQtip on 2013-08-14 00:38:42

I bet Tim and Pat say that to all the teams...

It brings up a thought, though - you seem to judge Fox almost solely on whether he goes for it enough on 4th down for your liking. There's so much more to being an NFL coach, though, and getting players ready to play may be the most important thing. I wonder if you acknowledge that Fox is one of the very best at that. The way he runs practice, and the way he coaches up the players (giving the assistant coaches a lot of credit also) is top-notch.

I'll take that in a coach anytime over a few conservative fourth down calls.

Posted by billyricky on 2013-08-13 23:05:53

Absolutely. Heading into 2011, the 49ers hadn't had a winning season since 2002, the Seahawks had averaged just 5.3 wins per season in their last 3 campaigns, and the Broncos were fresh off a 4-12 season and the #2 overall pick. Heading into 2013, these three teams are the three favorites to win the SB. Things change fast.

Posted by Kibbles on 2013-08-13 22:27:51

There seems to be a culture of continual improvement and not settling for good enough in this organization. The old adage of repetition building the proper pathways through conscious intensity is being displayed and modeled by all the players with PMFM leading by example. Do it till you never get it wrong, not just till you get it right once or twice. We can only hope the loss in the playoffs gave everyone a sense of urgency to get this done this year. Ryan and Kirwan saw players continuing to practice moves even when they weren't on the playing field. Got to feel good about that!

Posted by DocPonderosa on 2013-08-13 22:08:37

Nope. See above :)

Posted by c_style on 2013-08-13 21:25:29

Peyton Manning

Posted by c_style on 2013-08-13 21:25:12

dude I so agreeI am totally Jonesingfor that kool aid too

Posted by therealhaikuboy on 2013-08-13 19:17:55

Remember Ball's sports science segment? I think I recall them saying his stiff arm was delivered with significantly more power than most of the NFL backs they've tested.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-08-13 19:03:24

I saw it before it was finished. Reed rode it when they were in Utah for the SLC SX. I haven't seen the finished product yet but it seems crazy cause it's all man made.

I did just watch Unidilla and RV made grown men look like boys. That track was beat to hell and back and RV's bike looked so smooth.

Have fun at TV.

Posted by Ryan Hennigan on 2013-08-13 18:31:48

Did you see the Utah track? Weird. I'm headed to Thunder Valley tomorrow night and might go Saturday.....gotta take it easy with the stitches in my foot. :-)

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-08-13 18:12:23

Thanks for providing this recap. I was very disappointed that I couldn't listen to the entire interview yesterday and hoping someone would do this. Also, thanks to you and the rest of the staff for continuing to provide terrific coverage of all things Broncos.

A few random thoughts I had today:

-I wonder if Irving at SLB is more about the team wanting to play him at SLB, than how he has performed at MLB. From JDR's latest interview it sounds like they want to defend the TE by being more physical at the LOS and then be capable in coverage, rather than simply trying to counter with an excellent coverage player. JDR kept talking about their strength at the point of attack, "strong hands" and "ability to latch". Irving, Johnson (who seems to be a very similar to Irving), and Bradley (who I believe played all four years at SLB in college, but is probably the least mobile of the three) all seem to fit the bill.

-C.J. Anderson has taken some snaps at FB this week. If C.J. Anderson can play FB as well that may make Hester cuttable. I'm not a Hester fan myself. I have been wondering if they are looking for a "West Coast FB" in the mold of Howard Griffith. The best scenario in my mind is to have a Mike Anderson RB/FB type, which I think Anderson can be. I thought that was probably their plan for Hester, but Anderson's versatility might save a slot for use elsewhere.

-In limited snaps, Aaron Hester looked pretty good to me, i.e. like a player who could be on an NFL roster with a year of development. At 6'2", 207, he is a specimen. It is a good sign that Kirwan noticed him too.

-Kaveinga only played a few snaps, but his lack of height, motor and high mobility reminded of former Miami MLB Zac Thomas. Kaveinga might be a good PS candidate too.

-Finally, I was very impressed with Lerentee McCray. He really moves smoothly for a 6'3", 250 lb. linebacker. He seemed to glide when he ran and change direction effortlessly. He also looked comfortable in coverage, confident overall, and his spin-move pass rush was icing on the cake. He looks like an excellent natural OLB prospect who should be on an NFL roster one day soon.

Posted by Broncos777 on 2013-08-13 17:43:32

Thanks Ted!

Posted by aLuffabo on 2013-08-13 17:40:46

Von might be suspended. Bring you down a bit? :)

Posted by aLuffabo on 2013-08-13 17:39:35

Happy Birthday ya old geezer!

Posted by aLuffabo on 2013-08-13 17:37:27

This indicates we have a great coaching staff and elite veteran players, the most succesful combo for a team, in any sport.

Posted by Broncoswede on 2013-08-13 17:18:04

Doc, you share a birthday with Ryan Villopoto (Only John T. knows who I am talking about, the rest of you can use google.)

Happy birthday and thanks for all you do.

Posted by Ryan Hennigan on 2013-08-13 17:10:21

Look back on the 2011 draft class. How many of those are starters on our team and how many are taking reps and competing to be a starter? Just saying. You hit on 7 of 9 including a once in a decade player and things can turn around pretty fast.

Posted by Ryan Hennigan on 2013-08-13 17:06:54

Often called Lance Ball, CJ Anderson.

I agree, it was pretty bad announcing and not just because it was so one sided. It lacked depth and fluidity. Extremely basic.

...and it was over-the-top, ridiculously one sided.

Posted by Ryan Hennigan on 2013-08-13 17:04:38

Looking pretty deep, especially with CJ Anderson getting a good amount of reps with the twos today, based on Kirk's (formerly of MHR) report from today's session.

Posted by Royalwithcheese on 2013-08-13 16:38:13

Doc's B-day?

Happy Birthday, Doc! And many more to come!

Posted by The_Operative on 2013-08-13 16:38:01

Great stuff Ted. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Posted by sadaraine on 2013-08-13 16:30:53

It was love affair of the 9ers. Which I almost get but ignoring the other teams tackles or plays is poor announcing at best.

It happens every time on NFLN. We get their announcers, now I get they are playing to their home fans but if the NFLN is going to not insist on a little balance.

They made the comment since Mays was gone their was a real battle going on for MLB. That was about the extent of their knowledge of our players.

Perhaps if they would have announced after they came to town for the XM road trip they might have had intelligent commentary of the players.

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-08-13 16:03:07

The people tuning into their broadcast are there to get analysis of THEIR team. It's called knowing your audience, and it's a pretty basic 101-level understanding of how things are handled.

Posted by booboodevo on 2013-08-13 15:24:09

I can't speak to his game coverage, but on his show with Tim they do an awesome job of breaking things down without dumbing them down. They aren't always great, but when they are talking shop it's always worth listening to them(even if you disagree).

Posted by JR Giddings on 2013-08-13 15:17:08

He has done a masterful job bringing in short term rentals for a look see if they are good I suspect if the rookies he has drafted have not developed by then the old timers get anothe contract.

most of his rookies have hit and we may wind up this year with as many as 5-6 UDFA make the squad 53or PS.

That could be a league high. So each year he has drafted without looking 7 a year or 21 or so most if not all are sticking along with the 20 pr so that's ere here and allmosma sudden those FA fill in most spots.

But hard decisions have to be made next here as there is a raft of FA after this season ends as well as Miller and DT coming up soon.

If we hit another 5-6 in the draft that may ease some pain of those we can't keep.

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-08-13 15:15:08

Very interesting read. Thx TB.

Posted by Orange_and_Blue on 2013-08-13 15:12:07

Happy birthday to our favorite ursine medico! ;)

Posted by underdog on 2013-08-13 15:09:36

Happy Birthday, Doc Bear! Your opinions on football (and everything else) are always well considered and informative. If you and your family are ever in Colorado, I would love to take you out to dinner.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-08-13 15:08:09

I have been wondering when we start getting new Broncos cheerleader reviews....

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-08-13 15:01:36

I guess you missed the part about the offensive line starting a rotational guard at center and both tackles recovering from injury?

Otherwise, you're right. Team looks unbeatable!

Posted by OutOfYourElement on 2013-08-13 14:36:35

I had to listen to that broadcast.. I'm surprise he noticed anything outside the 9ers.

after a great tackle by one of our guys not a word was said just a continuation of the play of their players..

could not have even bothered to announce who the tackler was.. same went for the other direction..

Often they miscalled who the receiver or ball carrier was.. If they announced it at all between the love affair of their team..

I know that KOAs old coverage was pretty exciting for bronco fans but they called a spade a a spade if we made an error they would talk up the opposing team..

it is so sad to hear these other mokes after Hearing Larry Zimmerman and his mentor Bob.. they set the bar so high..

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-08-13 14:29:16

Thanks, Guys

Posted by Doc Bear on 2013-08-13 14:27:43

"13. Tim and Pat also couldn't get over the depth of the Broncos, and they credited both Elway (with acquiring it) and Fox (with developing it). They said that a lot of teams were going to be watching Broncos preseason games looking to shop at the bottom of their roster."

Damn. How far can a roster go in 2 off-seasons?

Posted by Jason Chestnut on 2013-08-13 14:16:11

HBD DOC!

Posted by 303user on 2013-08-13 14:09:12

FAP.

Posted by 303user on 2013-08-13 14:08:15

Having been a Ihatenachos supporter since the Broncs acquired him, I gotta admit that stiff arm gave me a bit of a chuckle. Maybe a little humility keeps the guys in line.

Hopefully Ball starts anticipating the gaps and makes his way deep into the secondary.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-08-13 14:03:44

Happy birthday to the Doc.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-08-13 13:58:26

"Fantastic". After reading that, I feel like I just purchased a one-way plane ticket to Guyana.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-08-13 13:57:15

Ok, enough is enough! My expectations are already sky high for this season, and more glowing camp reports like this are doing nothing to get my head out of the clouds. I mean, the worst negatives from camp are that our 3rd string FS (Jammer) we picked up off the street for cheap is likely to get cut and that a couple of our draft picks have average performance, only flashing brilliance occasionally? Are you freaking kidding me?!?!?! The stars are so aligned for this season that I think I can't see how this team loses one game at this point, much less anything but a championship. There hasn't been any news negative enough to convince me of anything different so far. Please stop before i overdose on the orange and blue cool-aid!!!!!

Posted by babsonjr on 2013-08-13 13:54:42

Amazing how you can go from starting other teams special teams cast offs, to having the sort of depth the Broncos have.

And that's why you should all the NFL. You're only ever 2 to 3 well managed years away from being Superbowl favourites.

As opposed to the English Premier league where you need a billion in the bank to compete.

Posted by Mike Birtwistle on 2013-08-13 13:47:52

Nice write up. Thanks! And a Birthday shout out to Doc Bear.

Posted by Chris Nigro on 2013-08-13 13:35:31

I was at practice yesterday, and saw that Ball stiff arm. It was dominant.

He's still not "there" yet as a runner, but he looked relatively sharp yesterday. Also: the defense doesn't like getting run on. Yesterday there were a couple scuffles specifically around Ball being tossed to the grass, and some jawing that followed between the units. As Jack Del Rio said last week, "these are men, and sometimes men have to handle things."

Still not buying Hillman as an answer between the tackles; still going down too easily IMO.

Julius Thomas is ENORMOUS. He looks effortless out there. So hopeful that he can stay healthy.

It was a good day at Dove Valley. And I'm really starting to see the progression of Osweiler. Hopefully that translates to the field against Seattle.